Sanitary assistive device for finger

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are novel sanitary assistive devices to be worn on a user&#39;s finger for opening thin plastic bags and for minimizing the spreading of germs. In some embodiments, the device comprises an elongate tube body enclosed at a distal end by a distal wall. The inner face of the tube body is generally cylindrical but may assume other profiles and is sized for housing a user&#39;s finger. A proximal port provides entry for the user&#39;s finger. A joint port extends laterally through the side of the elongate tube body. A tack port extends through the side of the elongate tube body and houses a tack. The tack has an enlarged head and a stem extending from the head. A tack flap extends from the outer face of the elongate tube body to cover the tack, however, the tack flap is retracted proximally when needed to separate bags.

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No.63/279,102 filed Nov. 13, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference and relied upon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to assistive devices for openingshopping bags, and more particularly to sanitary assistive devices wornon a user's finger for opening thin plastic shopping bags. Separatingadjacent walls of plastic bags is a struggle for most people. Theplastic bag walls are very thin and tend to stick together making itdifficult for a user to obtain access to the inside of the bag. Thisleaves many shoppers frustrated. Some shoppers lick their fingers in anattempt to assist separation. This is very unsanitary and contributes tothe spreading of germs.

Description of Related Art

Various forms of fingertip covers are available in the prior art. Mostof these are manufactured from a rubber or silicone rubber and attemptto utilize small elastomeric projections from the surface to improvefrictional capabilities for separating the back. This rarely works well.What is needed is a more effective bag wall separation device and adevice that helps reduce the spreading of germs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are novel sanitary assistive devices worn on a user'sfinger for opening thin plastic shopping or produce bags. The sanitaryassistive device can also be referred to as a sanitary bag openingdevice.

In one form, a sanitary assistive device comprises an elongate tubebody.

In one form, the elongate tube body comprises a proximal port axisextending centrally.

In one form, the elongate tube body is enclosed on a distal end by adistal wall.

In one form, the elongate tube body comprises a tube wall with an innerface formed thereon.

In one form, the inner face is generally cylindrical but may assumeother profiles such as polygons.

In one form, the inner face defines a finger space sized for housing auser's finger. The inner face faces interior.

In one form, the elongate tube comprises an outer face formed on thetube wall facing the exterior.

In one form, the elongate tube body comprises a proximal face at aproximal end and which extends between the inner face and the outerface.

In one form, a proximal port extends through the proximal face toprovide entry for a user's finger into the finger space from a proximalend.

In one form, a distal face is formed on the distal wall and facesdistally.

In one form, an end face is formed on the distal wall and facesproximally.

In one form, a joint face extends laterally between the proximal end anddistal through the elongate tube body and extends between the inner faceand outer face.

In one form, the joint face defines a joint port laterally extendingthrough a side of the elongate tube body.

In one form, the joint port is offset from midline towards a proximalend of the elongate tube body.

In one form, a tack face defines a tack port extending through a side ofthe elongate tube body.

In one form, the tack port and the joint port are substantially onopposed sides of the elongate tube body.

In one form, the tack port is spaced from midline towards a distal endof the elongate tube body.

In one form, the tack face extends between the inner face and outer faceof the elongate tube body.

In one form, the tack port comprises a central tack port axis that issubstantially perpendicular to the proximal port axis.

In one form, the joint port comprises one or more joint axes that aresubstantially perpendicular to the proximal port axis.

In one form, the finger space comprises a diameter smaller than a user'sfinger and the sanitary assistive device can be stretched over to alarger diameter thereby providing a frictional fit over the end of thefinger.

In one form, the elongate tube body is made from an elastomeric materialsuch as a silicone.

In one form, a tack is housed in the tack port.

In one form, the tack comprises a T-shaped body

In one form, the T-shaped body comprises and enlarged head.

In one form, the enlarged head is substantially flat.

In one form, a tactile surface is formed on the top of the enlarged headand is opposed by a stop surface on the opposing side of the enlargedhead.

In one form, the T-shaped body comprises a stem extending from theenlarged head.

In one form, the stem is elongate and comprises an annular recess.

In one form, the T-shaped body comprises a tip at and opposing theenlarged head.

In one form, the profile of the stem complements the profile of the tackport.

In one form, the tip extends beyond the outer face of the elongate tubebody a distance E in an assembled configuration.

In one form, a tack flap extends from the outer face of the elongatetube body from a position proximally adjacent the tack port and extendsover the tack port.

In one form, the tack flap comprises a cover face facing the outer face.

In one form, the tack flap comprises an exterior face opposing the coverface.

In one form, the tack flap is biased whereby the cover face covers thetip of the tack in a covered configuration.

In one form, a user exposes the tip of the tack by retracting the tackflap proximally in a retracted configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more readily appreciated when considered in connection with thefollowing detailed description and appended drawings, wherein eachdrawing is according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a proximal perspective view of a sanitary assistivedevice;

FIG. 2 depicts a distal perspective view of the sanitary assistivedevice of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the sanitary assistive device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the sanitary assistive deviceof FIG. 1 through plane F;

FIG. 5 depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the sanitary assistivedevice of FIG. 1 through plane F;

FIG. 6 depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the sanitary assistivedevice of FIG. 1 through plane F with tack flap covering the tack;

FIG. 7 depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the sanitary assistivedevice of FIG. 1 through plane F with the tack flap retracted from thetack;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a tack used in the sanitaryassistive device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the tack used inthe sanitary assistive device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 10 depicts a user's finger seated inside a cross-sectional view ofthe sanitary assistive device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting steps for using the sanitaryassistive devices disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Select embodiments of the invention will now be described with referenceto the Figures. Like numerals indicate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views and wherein various embodiments areseparated by letters (i.e. 100, 100B, 100C). The terminology used in thedescription presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in anylimited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized inconjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments ofthe invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may includeseveral novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible forits desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing theinvention described herein.

FIG. 1-5 depict views of a preferred embodiment of a novel sanitaryassistive device. FIGS. 1-2 are perspective views, FIG. 3 is a sideview, and FIGS. 4-7, 9 are cross-sectional views through central planeF. FIGS. 4, 6, 7 illustrates the sanitary assistive device 100 thatincludes tack 138 whereas FIG. 5 illustrates the device with tack 138removed.

The sanitary assistive device 100 is worn on a user's finger asillustrated in FIG. 10 , to assist with opening thin plastic bags and asa sanitary barrier. In this embodiment, the sanitary assistive device100 comprises an elongate tube body 114. The elongate tube body 114comprises a proximal port axis (Axis A) extending centrally along theelongate tube body 114. On a distal end, the elongate tube body isenclosed by a distal wall 115 whereas a tube wall 118 forms the elongatetube body and has an inner face 120 formed thereon facing interior.Although it may assume other profiles such as polygons such as ahexagon, the inner face 120 in this embodiment is generally cylindricaland defines a finger space 122 sized for housing a user's finger. Anouter face 124 is formed on the tube wall 118 and faces the exterior.

The elongate tube body 114 comprises a proximal face 126 at a proximalend and which extends between the inner face 120 and the outer face 124.A proximal port 128 extends through the proximal face 126 to provideentry for a user's finger to reside in finger space 122 from a proximalend. As illustrated here, a distal face 117 is formed on the distal wall115 and faces distally, whereas, an end face 116 is formed on the distalwall 115 and faces proximally. A joint face 130 extends laterallypartially through the elongate tube body 114 and again extends betweenthe inner face 120 and outer face 124. The joint face 130 defines ajoint port 132 laterally extending through a side of the elongate tubebody 114. The joint port 132 is spaced towards a proximal end of theelongate tube body and is formed to accommodate an enlarged DIP joint asit rises during bending.

A tack face 134 (FIG. 5 ) defines a tack port 136 extending through aside of the elongate tube body between the inner face 120 and outer face124. In preferred forms, the tack port 136 and the joint port 132 arepositioned substantially on opposed sides of the elongate tube body 114.As illustrated in the Figures, the tack port 136 is spaced towards adistal end of the elongate tube body with the tack face 134 extendingbetween the inner face 120 and outer face 124 of the elongate tube body.The tack port 136 comprises a central tack port axis (axis B) that issubstantially perpendicular to the proximal port axis.

In some embodiments, the finger space 122 comprises a diameter smallerthan a user's finger and can be stretched over a larger diameter therebyproviding a frictional fit over the end of the finger. The elongate tubebody is made from an elastomeric material such as a silicone.

A tack 138 comprising a T-shaped body 140 is housed in the tack port 136in an assembled configuration. The T-shaped body 140 comprises anenlarged head 142. The enlarged head and stem in this embodiment arerounded as if turned on a lathe. Here, the enlarged head 142 issubstantially flat. Tactile surface 146 is formed on the top of theenlarged head 142 and is opposed by a stop surface 146 on the opposingside of the enlarged head 142. The tactile surface is positioned in theassembled configuration to abut the user's finger pad of their distalphalange 104. The T-shaped body 140 comprises a stem 148 extending fromthe enlarged head 142. The stem 148 comprises an annular recess 150. Theprofile of the stem 148 complements the profile of the tack port 136such that the stem can be pressed and seated therein. When seated in thetack port 136, the protruding tack port ridge 135 is seated within theannular recess 150 thereby retaining the tack 138 in the in the tackport. The T-shaped body 140 comprises a tip 152. As illustrated, the tip152 extends beyond the outer face 124 of the elongate tube body 114 adistance E in an assembled configuration. This distance is just enoughfor the tip 152 to catch on one layer of a plastic bag when draggedacross its surface. The tack is preferably made from a rigid materialsuch as a polymer, or metal. Vibrations through the tack are transmittedto the user's finger pad of their distal phalange providing the user asensitive sense of touch despite wearing the assistive device. The tackcan also be used to perform tasks such as pressing buttons on a keypad.

As illustrated in the Figures, a tack flap 154 extends from the outerface 124 of the elongate tube body 114 from a position proximallyadjacent the tack port 136. The tack flap 154 comprises a cover face 156facing the outer face 124 and an exterior face 158 opposing the coverface 156. The tack flap 154 is biased whereby the cover face 156 coversthe tip 152 of the tack 138 in a covered configuration. A user exposesthe tip 152 of the tack 138 by retracting the tack flap 154 proximallyin a retracted configuration. This is done for example, by rubbing theuser's thumb proximately over the tack flap such that the tack flapmoves from the position illustrated in FIG. 6 to the positionillustrated in FIG. 7 .

A method of separating thin plastic bags utilizing a the novel sanitaryassistive device described herein comprises the following steps (FIG. 11). Obtaining a sanitary assistive device as described in the previousparagraphs that includes an elongate tube body, a proximal port leadinginto a finger space, a joint port, a tack port with a T-shaped tackhoused therein, and a tack flap extending over the tack port from anouter face of the elongate tube body (170). Sliding a user's fingerthrough the proximal port such that it is fully seated in a finger spacewhereby the user's finger pad of their distal phalange is resting on atactile surface of a tack housed in a finger port of the sanitaryassistive device (172). Obtaining a thin plastic bag (174). Retract thetack flap, for example by placing the user's thumb over the tack flapretracting the tack flap proximally thereby exposing the tip of the tack(176). Placing the tip of the tack on an outer surface of the thinplastic bag and dragging such that the sides of the thin plastic bagseparate to provide access to the inside of the bag (178).

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” and “generally”may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertaintythat may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilizedherein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representationmay vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in thebasic function of the subject matter at issue.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with therelevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather thanlimiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosedembodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fallwithin the scope of the invention.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. A sanitary assistive device for a fingercomprising: an elongate tube body; said elastomeric elongate tube bodyhaving a tube wall extending between the inside and outside of saidelongate tube body; a distal wall enclosing a distal end of saidelongate tube body; an inner face formed on the inside of said tube walldefining a rounded finger space operable for seating the distal portionof a user's finger therein; a proximal face at a proximal end of saidelongate tube body; a proximal port extending through said proximal facefrom said proximal end of said elongate tube body; a tack; and whereinsaid tack extends through said tube wall between said finger space andsaid outer face.
 4. The sanitary assistive device of claim 3 furthercomprising: a joint port; said joint port extending through said tubewall between a proximal end and a distal end of said elongate tube bodyand configured to provide relief of a user's knuckle when seated in saidfinger space.
 5. The sanitary assistive device of claim 4 wherein saidjoint port and said tack are located on opposed sides of said elongatetube body.
 6. The sanitary assistive device of claim 3 furthercomprising: a tack face extending between said inner face and said outerface; and wherein said tack face forms a tack port for seating said tacktherein.
 7. The sanitary assistive device of claim 6 further comprising:a tack port ridge; wherein said tack port ridge is a narrowing of saidtack port.
 8. The sanitary assistive device of claim 3 wherein said tackcomprises a T-shaped body.
 9. The sanitary assistive device of claim 3further comprising: a tack flap; said tack flap extending from saidouter face of said elongate tube body from a position proximallyadjacent to said tack port; and wherein said tack flap extends over saidtack port.
 10. The sanitary assistive device of claim 9 furthercomprising: a tip on said tack; and wherein said tack flap is biased tocover said tip of said tack in a covered configuration.
 11. The sanitaryassistive device of claim 10 wherein said tip extends beyond said outerface of said elongate tube body.
 12. The sanitary assistive device ofclaim 3 wherein said elongate tube body is manufactured from anelastomeric material.
 13. The sanitary assistive device of claim 3wherein said tack comprises a T-shaped body.
 14. The sanitary assistivedevice of claim 13 wherein said T-shaped body comprises an enlargedhead.
 15. The sanitary assistive device of claim 14 wherein saidT-shaped body further comprises: a stem; wherein said stem extends fromsaid enlarged head.
 16. The sanitary assistive device of claim 15further comprising: a tack port extending through said tube wall; saidtack port having a tack port ridge narrowing a portion of said tackport; wherein said stem comprises an annular recess operable forengagement in said tack port ridge.
 17. The sanitary assistive device ofclaim 15 wherein said stem terminates at a tip.
 18. The sanitaryassistive device of claim 3 further comprising: a tack flap; said tackflap extending from said outer face of said elongate tube body from aposition proximally adjacent to said tack port; said tack comprising atip; and wherein said tack flap extends over said tip in a coveredconfiguration.
 19. The sanitary assistive device of claim 18 whereinsaid tip of said tack is exposed by retracting said tack flap in aretracted configuration.
 20. The sanitary assistive device of claim 3wherein said tack is manufactured from a rigid material.
 21. A method ofusing a sanitary assistive device to separate thin plastic bagscomprising the following steps: obtaining a sanitary assistive devicecomprising an elongate tube body, a proximal port leading into a fingerspace, a joint port, a tack port with a T-shaped tack housed therein,and a tack flap extending over the tack port from an outer face of theelongate tube body; sliding a finger through the proximal port such thatit is fully seated in a finger space within the elongate tube bodywhereby the user's finger pad of their distal phalange is resting on atactile surface of a tack housed in the finger port of the sanitaryassistive device; obtaining a thin plastic bag; retracting the tack flapthereby exposing a tip of the tack; and placing the tip of the tack onan outer surface of the thin plastic bag and dragging such that thesides of the thin plastic bag separate to provide access to the insideof the bag.
 22. The method of using a sanitary assistive device toseparate thin plastic bags of claim 21 wherein the step of retractingthe tack flap thereby exposing a tip of the tack further comprises thestep of placing the user's thumb over the tack flap and retracting thetack flap proximally thereby exposing the tip of the tack.